I'll add my voice to those mourning the death of science-fiction writer Octavia Butler. I have never met her, nor have I read any of her books, though she's on the list of writers whom I've hoped to getting around to investigating one of these days.

I regret not taking the opportunity to meet her and attend her readings/workshops a couple years ago here in Canandaigua, when Kindred was the community-reads book for community discussion and Ms. Butler took part in readings, discussions, etc., at the local high school and library. If I recall correctly, I was in the middle of a batch of projects at the time and didn't take the time -- even to read Kindred. (Moral: People won't always be with us. Take opportunities when we can.) I did remember feeling glad that a science-fiction writer was regarded with respect rather than marginalized as is sometimes the case in academic/literary communities, at least in the U.S. (I understand it's a bit different in Canada.) Though one or two of the organizers did feel the need to, in advance interviews and the like, say that Ms. Butler wasn't really a science-fiction writer because she was, like, good and literary and stuff and dealt with ideas. It's the kind of attitude that would be good for pounding one's head on the desk and raising blood pressure if it weren't mitigated by the fact that, hey, they brought in Octavia Butler. They ain't all bad.

To those of you who've read her books: What would be your recommendation for a good starting point?

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Words: Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis
Sounds & Images: closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics
State O'Mind: Peaceful.

PS: R.I.P. Don Knotts, too. 'Bye, Barn.